Why do dogs sometimes die with their eyes open?
There are a few reasons why a dog may pass away with its eyes open:
Rigor mortis
When a dog dies, its body will stiffen due to rigor mortis. This causes the muscles to contract and tighten up, and can result in the eyelids being unable to close properly. Rigor mortis begins within a few hours of death, peaks around 12-24 hours, and subsides within 24-84 hours. So if a dog dies and is not discovered immediately, rigor mortis may have already set in, causing the eyes to remain open.
Dehydration
As a dog becomes dehydrated near the end of life or after death, the eyes can dry out and become unable to close fully. Dehydration is common as a dog dies, due to declining organ function and lack of fluid intake. This could lead to the eyes appearing open at the time of passing.
Nerve damage
Nerves control the opening and closing of the eyelids. If these nerves are damaged due to disease, injury or epilepsy, it may cause a dog to be unable to close its eyes properly before and after death. For example, facial nerve paralysis can occur in dogs, affecting the eyelid muscles.
Muscle relaxation
At the time of death, the muscles relax completely, allowing the eyelids to open. If the head is tilted down or rested on a surface with the eyes facing upwards, they may remain open post-mortem. The muscles no longer have the tone to maintain eyelid closure.
Eye abnormalities
Some dogs are naturally born with eyes that do not close fully. This could give the appearance of eyes remaining open after death, when in fact they always had a slightly open appearance. Abnormalities like shallow eye sockets, prominent eyes and lax eyelids can prevent complete closure.
Sudden death
If a dog dies very suddenly such as from a heart attack or traumatic injury, the eyes may simply remain open from the time of death. The dog would not have had time to slowly close its eyes as it passed away – everything happened too quickly.
What to do if a dog dies with eyes open?
It can be upsetting to find your beloved dog has passed away with its eyes and mouth open. Here are some recommendations on what to do next:
Close the eyes
Gently brush your hand over the dog’s eyes to close both the eyelids and mouth fully. Try to do this within 15-20 minutes of discovering them, before rigor mortis sets in. Applying a little Vaseline or eye ointment can help keep them closed. Be very gentle as the eyes are very delicate.
Keep cool
Move the dog somewhere cool – rigor mortis will make it difficult to move them later. Place them in a cool room, or refrigerate their body if possible. This slows decomposition.
Wrap in cloth
Wrap the dog in a clean towel, blanket or cloth to help protect their body. This covers their eyes and mouth and absorbs any leaked bodily fluids. It also keeps flies and insects away.
Seek veterinary assistance
Your veterinarian may be able to help close the eyes and arrange cremation or burial. They can also retrieve the body from your home, sparing you this trauma. Some vets do home visits for euthanized pets.
Pet burial services
There are professional pet burial services in most areas that can collect your dog and take them to a pet cemetery for burial or cremation. They handle the body gently and with dignity.
Hold a funeral
Once the dog’s body has been taken care of, you can hold a funeral or memorial service to say goodbye if you wish. This brings closure for human family members and any other household pets.
What happens to a dog’s body after death?
When a dog dies, here are the physical changes the body goes through:
No vital signs
Breathing and heartbeat cease once the dog passes away. Blood circulation and brain activity stop. The tongue and eye membranes become pale.
Loss of muscle tone
The muscles start to relax, causing loss of urinary and bowel tone. The mouth may open and the tongue hang out. The limbs become very flexible.
Cooling of the body
The dog’s body temperature will drop and begin matching the temperature of the surroundings. This is very gradual.
Rigor mortis
As discussed earlier, the stiffening of the body occurs within a few hours due to rigor mortis. This peaks around 12-24 hours after death.
Decomposition
Once rigor mortis passes, the body enters the decomposition phase. This involves gradual decay of skin, organs and tissues. Bloating occurs due to gas buildup.
Drying out
Fluids are lost from the natural orifices like mouth, nose, ears and genitals. The skin dries out and the eyeballs flatten as fluid evaporates.
Autolysis
This refers to the breakdown of cells and organs due to enzymes in the dog’s own body fluids. It begins immediately after death.
Putrefaction
Bacteria from the gastrointestinal system spread and decompose the tissues. This leads to discoloration, odor and bloating of the corpse.
Skeletonization
Over time, the skin, muscles and organs decompose fully, leaving only the bones behind. This can take weeks to years depending on conditions.
Mummification
In hot, dry climates, bodies may mummify and dry out, leaving skin and bone behind. This preserves them like Egyptian mummies.
Can a dog’s eyes be “glued” closed?
Some people wonder if a glue-type product can be used to hold a deceased dog’s eyes closed. While this may seem like a logical solution, it is not recommended for a few reasons:
It may not work
As rigor mortis sets in, the eyelids will stiffen and may reopen even if initially glued shut. The glue is not strong enough to overcome the muscles’ contractions.
It could damage the corneas
Using adhesive products on the delicate corneas could cause injuries or irritation. As the eyes dehydrate, the glue may stick strongly and cause corneal abrasions.
It could infect the eyes
Getting non-sterile products in the eyes raises the risk of infection. Bacteria or fungi on the glue could contaminate the corneas.
The eyes need to drain
Closing the eyelids tightly prevents the eyes from draining fluid as decomposition begins. This fluid needs somewhere to go.
Special glue is required
The only appropriate glue for eyes is specially designed ophthalmic tissue adhesive used in living eye surgery. Standard craft/household glues should never be used in eyes.
Instead of gluing, it is safer to manually close the eyes and use eye ointment to lubricate them, so they remain shut until rigor mortis passes. Seek veterinary assistance if you are unable to get them to close.
What should you do with a dog’s body after it dies?
When your beloved dog passes away, you have a few options on handling their remains. Here are some approaches:
Home burial
Bury your dog at home in a favorite spot or backyard. Be sure to contact your local municipality regarding by-laws on home burials first. Dig a grave at least 3-4 feet deep.
Pet cemetery burial
Many pet cemeteries offer burial plots for dogs. They can handle the body and place them in a casket for a peaceful burial service.
Cremation
Most vet clinics and pet funeral homes provide dog cremation services. You can have their ashes returned in an urn or scattered in a favorite place. There are also pet cremation businesses.
Taxidermy
While not commonly done, some people choose to have their dog preserved through taxidermy. Seek out a specialist pet taxidermist if interested.
Rendering
Animal rendering companies can pick up and dispose of your dog’s remains through eco-friendly processing. This turns them into biofuel products.
Donate body to science
Some facilities accept whole pet body donations for veterinary student training and research. Contact colleges to ask about donation programs.
Choosing what feels right for you and your family is important during this difficult time. Discuss options with your veterinarian to make an informed decision.
What are some tips for coping with a dog’s death?
When a beloved dog passes away, it can feel devastating. Here are some tips for coping with the grief:
Allow yourself to grieve
Cry, sulk, reminisce – fully process the sadness instead of suppressing it. This helps you come to terms with the loss.
Have a ceremony
Hold a pet funeral, plant a memorial tree, scatter ashes – do something ceremonial for closure.
Talk about your feelings
Confide in friends and family about how you feel. Don’t isolate yourself and bottle up emotions.
Thank your dog
Write a letter expressing how much they meant to you. This helps you reflect on happy memories.
Make a memorial
Create something to honor your pet, like a photo album, paw print casting or memory book.
Do things they enjoyed
Take long walks, play fetch, brush your dog’s leftover fur – keep up favorite routines.
Get a new pet gradually
When ready, consider adopting a new dog to fill the void. Save a shelter dog’s life.
Take care of yourself
Make sure to eat, sleep, exercise and socialize even though you are sad. This maintains healthy coping skills.
Join a pet loss support group
Connecting with others experiencing similar grief can be very comforting and therapeutic.
Losing your dog is painful, but cherishing the happy times you shared will help the sadness fade. Focus on the joy they brought you.
Conclusion
Discovering your beloved dog has passed away with their eyes open can be very disturbing. However, there are steps you can take to gently close their eyes, care for their remains, and cope with your grief. Rigor mortis, nerve damage, muscle relaxation and other factors can cause this to occur, so try not to be alarmed if it happens.
While the immediate aftermath is difficult, remember to focus on the happy years you spent together with your dog. Their spirit will live on in your heart. Take time to mourn them, memorialize them, and eventually open your home to a new canine companion when the time feels right. With patience and support, your broken heart will mend.